Plastron and spiracular features strongly resemble those of Aphelocheirus aestivalis (Fab.), described by Messner et al. (1981). Plastronal foliose hairs, somewhat irregular shaped are regularly distributed in the plastron. Very numerous tiny openigs on sternites an tergites connect platronal air with a subcuticular air film limited internally apparently by a membrane. Aplicated, radial, structure at the proximal end of the tracheae, almost occluding the extremely fine spiracular openings, appear with lesser variations in both species, suggesting close relationships than accepted until now.
insect morphology; spiracles; taxonomy; entomology; heteroptera; naucoroidea
